Horse Boarding Terms & Conditions

Last updated November 2, 2026

These terms apply to every horse boarded at Sparrow Valley Ranch ("the Ranch"), Palo Cedro, California. By delivering a horse to the Ranch, the horse's owner ("Owner") agrees to these terms. The Ranch may also ask Owner to sign a written boarding agreement; if it does, the signed agreement controls where it differs from this page.

1. Board and Payment

• Board is charged per horse, per month, at the rate posted for the option chosen (hay included, or Owner supplies hay).
• Board is due in advance on the 1st of each month. The first month is prorated from the arrival date.
• No refund or credit is given for days a horse is away from the Ranch.
• Rates may change with 30 days' written notice.
• The Ranch does not offer, arrange, or bill for farrier, veterinary, or other third-party services. Owner arranges and pays for them directly.

2. Owner-Supplied Hay

If Owner supplies hay, Owner is solely responsible for keeping enough on hand at all times. The Ranch will make a reasonable attempt to notify Owner when Owner's hay is running low, but restocking is entirely Owner's responsibility and the Ranch has no duty to provide hay.

3. Health Requirements

• Horses must be in good health on arrival, current on vaccinations, and on a regular deworming and hoof-care schedule.
• Before arrival, Owner must provide proof of current vaccinations and a negative Coggins test dated within the last 12 months.
• Owner must disclose any known illness, injury, vice, or dangerous behavior before arrival.
• The Ranch may refuse or remove any horse that is sick, contagious, or a danger to people, other horses, or property.

4. Emergencies and Veterinary Care

Owner will give the Ranch current emergency contact numbers. If the Ranch notices that Owner's horse appears sick or injured, it will make a reasonable attempt to notify Owner. Owner is solely responsible for deciding on, arranging, and paying for any veterinary or other care. The Ranch does not provide, arrange, or authorize veterinary care and has no duty to do so.

5. Assumption of Risk and Release

Horses can be unpredictable, and keeping, handling, riding, and turning out horses carries inherent risks of injury, illness, and death to horses and people, including from kicks, bites, falls, fencing, other animals, weather, and terrain. Owner accepts these risks for Owner, Owner's horse, and Owner's guests.

To the fullest extent allowed by law, Owner releases the Ranch, its owners, and its helpers from liability for injury, illness, loss, theft, or death of Owner's horse, and for injury to Owner or Owner's guests, except where caused by the Ranch's gross negligence or willful misconduct. The Ranch is not an insurer of any horse. Owner is encouraged to carry mortality, medical, and liability insurance.

6. Owner Responsibility

Owner is responsible for any damage Owner's horse causes to Ranch property, fencing, shelters, or other horses, and for the conduct of Owner's guests. Owner agrees to cover the Ranch's costs from claims arising out of Owner's horse or Owner's guests.

7. Ranch Rules and Use of Facilities

• Visits and riding are at Owner's own risk. Helmets are strongly recommended for all riders.
• Close and latch every gate. Keep children under direct supervision.
• Owner's trainers, farriers, and guests must follow Ranch rules and may be asked to leave.
• Owner's tack and equipment are kept at Owner's risk.

8. Late Payment and Lien

A $25 late fee applies to board unpaid more than 5 days after the due date. Under California law (Civil Code §3080 and following), the Ranch holds a lien on a boarded horse for unpaid board and care, and a horse may not be removed while board is past due. If the balance stays unpaid, the Ranch may enforce the lien as the law allows, including sale of the horse.

9. Ending Boarding

Either party may end boarding with 30 days' written notice (text or email is fine). The Ranch may end boarding immediately for non-payment, a dangerous horse or person, or a serious breach of these terms. Owner must remove the horse and belongings by the end of the notice period, with all charges paid.

10. General

These terms are governed by California law. If any part is found unenforceable, the rest still applies. The Ranch may update these terms; changes take effect 30 days after notice to current boarders.

Questions? Call 530-282-8476 or contact us.